US5901638A - Toaster with means for selection of two bread discharge positions - Google Patents

Toaster with means for selection of two bread discharge positions Download PDF

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US5901638A
US5901638A US09/167,673 US16767398A US5901638A US 5901638 A US5901638 A US 5901638A US 16767398 A US16767398 A US 16767398A US 5901638 A US5901638 A US 5901638A
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carriage
abutment
rod
bread
cushioning
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Jean-Pierre Houel
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SEB SA
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SEB SA
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/08—Bread-toasters
    • A47J37/0814—Bread-toasters with automatic bread ejection or timing means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical field of household electrical appliances of the toaster type, and more particularly to a toaster having a carriage that can be brought to a position called complementary raised position, which position is intended for retrieval of small slices of bread.
  • French Patent Document FR 2 729 285 discloses a toaster having a return spring, in which the ascent into the complementary position is effectuated, after a first ascent, by compression of a second spring.
  • This system requires an effort on the part of the user which is liable to destabilize the toaster and requires that one of the user's hands be used to maintain the spring compressed in order to assure the additional raising function, causing the bread discharge operation to be tricky.
  • other published documents describe systems permitting interruption of the ascent of the bread supporting carriage at an intermediate position between a lowered position in which the bread is toasted and a rest position of the carriage, corresponding to discharge of the bread. This interruption permits, after a cooking cycle, the bread to be left in the toasting enclosure and to remain warm.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,330,644 describes a toaster which can keep bread slices warm at the interior of the toasting chamber of the toaster, by the intermediary of a blade which pivots in a plane perpendicular to the plain defined by the displacement of the carriage. According to the positioning of this blade, its extremity permits ascent of the carriage to be prevented. Control of the pivoting of the blade is assured by an external means situated at the side of the appliance, at the level of the carriage intermediate position for keeping the bread warm. However, this procedure does not permit discharge of the bread in this intermediate position.
  • One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks described above by providing a toaster having two stable bread discharge positions. This arrangement makes it unnecessary for the user to have to hold a control means in order to assure the additional lifting function, thus permitting the user to have both hands free to withdraw the bread.
  • Another object of the invention is to enable the carriage to be moved to a complementary raised position in a simple manner which is not cumbersome and is easy to perform.
  • a bread toaster comprising:
  • a bread-supporting carriage mounted in the frame for vertical movement between a toasting portion and a first bread discharge position, the carriage having an extension;
  • first cushioning means for cushioning arrival of the carriage at the first bread discharge position
  • control means having an abutment and being movable in the frame for limiting ascent of the carriage to a second position by interaction of the abutment with a part of the carriage, wherein:
  • the second position is a second bread discharge position for discharging bread having a first size and the first bread discharge position is a position for discharging bread having a size smaller than the first size;
  • one of the abutment and the part of the carriage which interacts with the abutment is provided with second cushioning means for cushioning arrival of the carriage at the second position.
  • the present invention permits the bread-supporting carriage to be positioned either in a conventional bread discharge position or in an elevated discharge position, called “more elevated” or “raised plus”, which is a stable position, with the aid of a single control means.
  • the natural rest position of the carriage is the upper discharge position, while the abutment of the control means is capable of stopping this ascent at a second rest position, lower than the first position for convenient discharge of a bread slice having normal dimensions.
  • the bread-supporting carriage is cushioned, or damped, upon arrival at that position, which prevents slices of bread from being ejected out of the toaster and reduces the noise which occurs when the carriage is halted.
  • one of the extremities of the control means extends out of the upper part of the housing and is associated with a system of reference marks indicating various raised positions of the carriage.
  • the exterior positioning of the control means at the top of the toaster permits an optimal utilization thereof since the user can see, in a single field of view, the toasting state of the bread in the toasting chamber and the position of the means for controlling the complementary ascent of the carriage.
  • the abutment is the extremity of a vertical shank, or rod, fixed to a horizontal cross piece which can be displaced by the control means, the cross piece or the shank being mounted for horizontal translational movement in a housing.
  • This arrangement permits use to be made of only one abutment, while permitting its displacement to be effectuated economically.
  • this is constituted by:
  • a cushioning spring arranged at the interior of the cylinder and coaxial with the shank or its extremity, the spring being mechanically coupled by one of its ends with the shank or a piece fixed to the shank, and by its other extremity to the abutment, and
  • a means for halting the sliding of the abutment composed of complementary interacting parts placed on the shank and on the abutment.
  • Such an arrangement permits the arrangement of an abutment which is moveable at the extremity of the shank against a return means, thus constituting, in a reduced space, a means for halting and cushioning the ascent of the bread-supporting carriage.
  • the halting means is constituted by a tenon connected to the cylinder of the abutment engaged in a groove of the shank, or vice versa, by a tenon connected to the shank and engaged in a groove in the cylinder of the abutment.
  • a connection permits a guided sliding of the cylinder while limiting the amplitude of the movement.
  • the means for stopping is constituted by a flange fixed to the shank, one of the extremities of the cylinder of the abutment being capable of coming to bear on this flange when the abutment is not interacting with the extension of the bread-supporting carriage.
  • the spring is linked with the shank by bearing on the lower part of this flange.
  • a recess or hollowed out area, is provided in the extension of the carriage, this recess being capable of cooperating with the abutment in order to permit the carriage to ascend to its first position for discharging bread.
  • This arrangement permits a reduction of the additional space generated by such a function by integrating that space into the carriage.
  • the first and second cushioning means for the carriage are situated on the carriage itself, the recess carrying at least the second cushioning means.
  • Such a form of construction permits the design of a simple shank and abutment system, the abutment being the extremity of the shank.
  • the depth of the recess is such that the second cushioning means also constitute the first cushioning means.
  • This form of construction permits economies to be achieved with respect to the pieces constituting the first cushioning means.
  • the shank is mounted to be movable against a return means in such a manner that when the shank is at one rest position, the abutment assures ascent of the carriage into one of the two bread discharge positions.
  • the carriage is halted in one of these bread discharge positions, which permits a simplification in the manner of utilizing the appliance.
  • control means or the cross piece or the shank is provided with means that are complementary to the housing arranged to maintain the control means or the cross piece or the shank in a position which opposes the force exerted by the return means, this position being intended to assure ascent of the carriage to one of two bread discharge positions.
  • This arrangement permits the user to select the level to which the carriage will ascend when the carriage is in its lowered position at which toasting occurs, without having to await the end of the toasting cycle.
  • control means forms a unit with the cross piece.
  • control means it is separated from the cross piece and is mounted to be movable substantially vertically along the axis of movement x-x' of the bread-supporting carriage, against a return means
  • This arrangement utilizes a downward movement of the control means, which does not destabilize the toaster when the control means is activated. Moreover, the transformation of the vertical movement of the control means into a horizontal movement of the cross piece results in a gain of space and facilitates the installation of the device in the toaster.
  • the control means has, on a lateral extension, a beveled edge in contact with a finger of the cross piece linked to the shank.
  • the beveled edge permits, during displacement of the control means, a displacement of the shank in a direction perpendicular to the direction of ascent of the bread-supporting carriage.
  • this latter is coupled to a cylindrical piece having two peripheral and diametrically opposed lugs, the cylindrical piece being mounted to move vertically in opposition to a return force at the interior of a cylindrical element having internal projections in the form of beveled edges arranged in such a manner as to form means for halting and/or retaining the lugs at two levels permitting positioning of the control means at two levels.
  • the user can then select, during toasting, the desired level to which the carriage is to ascend.
  • this latter is a bascule, or rocker, having a pivot axis that is situated in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the ascending movement of the carriage and comprising a shank oriented substantially perpendicularly to this axis and capable of cooperating with a finger connected to a cross piece.
  • This configuration is simple to put to use and the selected raised position is easily identifiable by the user.
  • operation of the bascule does not destabilize the toaster.
  • control means is situated at the interior of a support having a boss forming a hard point capable of maintaining the control means coupled, by the finger, to the cross piece in a position opposing the force exerted by the return means, which position is intended to assure the ascent of the carriage to one of the two bread discharge positions.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toaster according to the present invention.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are side elevational views, partly in cross section, showing one embodiment of a toaster according to the invention in two different positions.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are elevational, cross-sectional, detailed views of one embodiment of a control means according to the invention in two stable positions.
  • FIG. 6 is a pictorial view illustrating a linear development of the shape presented by one of the parts of the control means of FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • FIG. 7 is an elevational, cross-sectional detail view of another embodiment of a control means according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a toaster 1 according to the invention.
  • This toaster includes a housing 2 which is shown in a cut away view to permit viewing of components according to the present invention which would not be visible in an actual toaster.
  • Toaster 1 includes, in particular, within housing 2, a frame 3, at least one toasting chamber and a bread-supporting carriage, not illustrated in its entirety, disposed within the chamber. Vertical movement of the carriage is guided by a shank, or rod, 5.
  • the carriage has an extension 6 (FIGS. 2 and 3) which extends out of the toasting chamber. Extension 6 is associated with a lever, or handle, 7 which extends out of housing 2 and permits the carriage to be moved to a lowered position for toasting.
  • Toaster 1 is equipped, moreover, with means 8 for controlling the toasting time.
  • the toaster is equipped with a control element 9 capable of interrupting the ascent of the carriage, the control means projecting out of housing 2.
  • Control element 9 can be a piece having any form, but is preferably grooved in order to facilitate manipulation.
  • the control means is mounted on a cross-piece 10 which slides in a receptacle arranged in housing 2 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of ascending movement of the carriage.
  • Control element 9 is associated with reference indicia 9a which indicate to the user the two positions of control element 9 associated with the two raised positions of the carriage.
  • slots 11 which permit extension 6 to slide freely with the carriage outside of the toasting chamber.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are end views essentially in the plane of FIG. 1. These figures show the upper part of a toaster and illustrate only those elements which are essential to and understanding of the invention.
  • extension 6 and its associated carriage are in the lower one of the two bread discharge positions, while in FIG. 3, those parts are in the upper one of the two positions.
  • a support 13 of the control means is mechanically fixed on a frame 3 of the toaster by the intermediary of two screws 12.
  • a cross piece 10 and a rod 14 are fixed to control element 9.
  • Rod 14 may have a polygonal or cylindrical cross section and extends vertically downwardly from cross piece 10. According to one inexpensive form of construction, cross piece 10 may be shortened to form an L-shaped piece with rod 14.
  • rod 14 carries, at its lower end, an abutment 20.
  • abutment 20 can be constituted simply by the lower extremity of rod 14.
  • abutment 20 may be a separate piece which is attached to rod 14.
  • abutment 20 is coupled to rod 14 via a cushioning spring 21 that permits abutment 20 to have a certain freedom of vertical movement relative to rod 14.
  • abutment 20 is cylindrical and spring 21 is mounted at the interior of abutment 20 and around rod 14 at the lower extremity thereof.
  • Spring 21 extends coaxially with rod 14 and abutment 20.
  • the lower extremity of rod 14 is given a reduced outer diameter in order to provide a means for guiding spring 21 while preventing spring 21 from sliding upwardly along rod 14.
  • Abutment 20 is mounted for sliding movement by means of a tenon which slides in a groove of rod 14. This arrangement of elements can, of course, be reversed such that a tenon formed on rod 14 is slidable in a groove provided in cylindrical abutment 20.
  • Abutment 20 and spring 21 permit cushioning of ascending movement of the carriage to its first, or lower bread discharge position, as a result of the interaction of abutment 20 with carriage extension 6.
  • An enclosure 15 is formed in support 13. Enclosure 15 provides a free space that permits free sliding of rod 14 and of cross piece 10.
  • a compression spring 16 is suitably disposed in enclosure 15 to assure return movement of control element 9 through the intermediary of rod 14.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 also illustrate extension 6 of the carriage, guide rod 5 for the carriage and slots 11 which permit the carriage that is connected to extension 6 to slide in the toasting chamber.
  • a spring 23 is slidably mounted on guide rod 5. One of the ends of spring 23 is fixed to the upper part of frame 3.
  • Extension 6 has two annular protrusions 22 situated, respectively, at the top and bottom of extension 6 and each surrounding guide rod 5. The two projections 22 can be created by forming or shaping the material constituting extension 6 and assure proper guidance of the carriage on rod 5.
  • a return spring 17 is a tension spring with urges the carriage upwardly, at the end of a toasting cycle, from its toasting position to its higher discharge position. The higher discharge position is, in effect, the rest position of the carriage. Spring 17 is thus connected between frame 3 and extension 6.
  • a recess 18 is formed in extension 6.
  • Recess 18 is located to cooperate with abutment 20 equipped with its cushioning device.
  • recess 18 has a generally rectangular form with a horizontal dimension slightly greater than the lateral extent of abutment 20 so that when control element 9 is in a defined position, abutment 20 can freely enter into recess 18.
  • the depth of recess 18 is such that when abutment 20 engages in recess 18, it does not interfere with ascent of the carriage to its rest position, which is its upper discharge position. This position is shown in FIG. 3.
  • Control element 9 thus permits positioning of rod 14 in either one of two positions.
  • the first position permits abutment 20 to engage freely in recess 18 of extension 6, allowing extension 6 and its carriage to ascend to the higher discharge position.
  • the second position permits the carriage to be halted in a lower, or intermediate, bread discharge position, by contact between surface 19 of extension 6 and abutment 20 of rod 14. This position is shown in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the operating configuration where control element 9 is in a position to prevent abutment 20 from entering recess 18.
  • the carriage is then halted before reaching its normal rest position, which is the upper bread discharge position, by contact between abutment 20, connected to rod 14, and surface 19 of extension 6. Impact of extension 6 against abutment 20 is cushioned by spring 21.
  • abutment 20 and extension 6 can be utilized to achieve the desired interaction between these two elements only when the control means is disposed in one of its two positions, without departing from the framework of the present invention. Ascending movement of the carriage can be halted, for example, by contact between abutment 20 and a simple blade or projection 22, the ascent into the higher discharge position being effectuated by eliminating interaction between abutment 20 and extension 6, as if this stopping system did not exist.
  • control element 9 has been positioned by the user such that abutment 20 and its cushioning element can enter into recess 18.
  • abutment 20 and extension 6 there is no interaction between abutment 20 and extension 6 and the carriage can ascend from its toasting position to its upper bread discharge position, where its upper movement is halted and cushioned by spring 23, which becomes compressed between support 13 and projection 22 on surface 19 of extension 6.
  • abutment 20 In the operating state shown in FIG. 3, when the user again lowers the carriage, abutment 20 is no longer restrained in the horizontal direction by recess 18, allowing spring 16, which has been compressed in enclosure 15 when abutment 20 was in recess 18, to expand, thereby causing rod 14 and control element 9 to slide horizontally toward the position depicted in FIGS. I and 2.
  • Abutment 20 can be chamfered, or sloped, in order to make the sliding movement of abutment 20 during descent of the carriage more gradual.
  • control element 9 which produces an automatic return of control element 9 to the position which allows the carriage to ascend to its standard bread discharge position can be reversed by changing the position of spring 16 relative to rod 14 so that control element 9 will be automatically returned to a position which allows the carriage to ascend to its upper bread discharge position.
  • cross piece 10 is provided with a downwardly projecting boss 42 arranged to cooperate with housing 2 or frame 3 in order to maintain control element 9 in the position shown in FIG. 3, in which position spring 16 is slightly compressed.
  • This feature permits the user to select the desired bread discharged position at the time a toasting operation is initiated by lowering the carriage into its toasting position.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the invention where a lateral displacement of rod 14 is effectuated by a vertical displacement of control element 9, which is structurally separate from cross piece 27.
  • FIG. 4 shows a first structural variation of control element 9.
  • cross piece 27 forms a unit with rod 14 and extends perpendicular to rod 14 so that cross piece 27 and rod 14 have the form of a T.
  • This arrangement in the form of a T has the advantage, with respect to an arrangement having the form of an L, to allow spring 16 to be easily installed around cross piece 27 between one of the extremities of cross piece 27 and rod 14.
  • Cross piece 27 includes, at one of its extremities, a finger 28.
  • Cross piece 27 is positioned so that finger 28 is in contact with a beveled surface 25 formed on a lateral projection 26 of control element 9.
  • spring 16 is disposed at the side of rod 14 which is opposite to finger 28 and spring 16 is dimensioned to be slightly compressed when in its expanded state, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • Spring 16 is placed in this state by rod 14 and the geometry of enclosure 15. This arrangement of spring 16 permits spring 16 to exert a slight pressure which maintains finger 28 against beveled surface 25.
  • support 13 constitutes, by its form, a guide for rod 14 and cross piece 27 and, in particular, limits the movement of cross piece 27 in the direction of vertical movement of the carriage.
  • Rod 14 carries, at its lower extremity, an abutment (not shown) which can have the same form as abutment 20 in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • Control element 9 has a generally cylindrical form and can slide vertically along axis x, x', parallel to the direction of vertical movement of the carriage. Because of the manner in which control element 9 is moved in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, this movement does not produce any destabilization of the toaster.
  • Control element 9 is essentially disposed at the interior of support 13, which is secured to housing 2 by two screws 12.
  • Control element 9 is in the form of a hollow button containing, at its interior, a shaft surrounded by a compression spring 24. The shaft includes a central pin 29 which projects downwardly out of control element 9 along axis x-x'.
  • a cylindrical element 30 is mounted on pin 29 in a manner to be slidable vertically relative to pin 29.
  • the lower end of pin 29 is provided with an annular abutment 31 which projects radially outwardly from pin 29 in order to retain element 30 on pin 29.
  • Element 30 carries two diametrically opposed, radially outwardly extending peripheral lugs 32.
  • Element 30 is vertically slidable within a cylinder 33 having an interior surface provided with two internal raised portions 34 and 35. As is best shown in FIG. 4, these portions extend inwardly from the wall of cylinder 33.
  • Raised portion 34 is provided with a plurality of vertical grooves, or slots, which extend to the upper end of portion 34.
  • the lower edge of portion 34 is provided with a series of teeth having a saw tooth form.
  • the upper end of portion 35 is also provided with a series of teeth having a saw tooth form, and portion 35 thus has the general form of a toothed crown.
  • a spring 36 is disposed between support 13 and abutment 31.
  • Spring 36 is a compression spring which produces a force urging cylindrical element 30 toward an upper position in cylinder 33.
  • FIG. 6 shows a developed version of raised portions 34 and 35 and the path followed by cylindrical element 30 in response to a succession of vertical movements of control element 9.
  • FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 serve to illustrate the operating principal of this embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, cross piece 27 and rod 14 are displaced horizontally, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, by a vertical displacement of control element 9. The interaction between cylindrical element 30, and in particular lugs 32, and raised portions 34 and 35 provides two stable positions for control element 9. These two positions are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively.
  • control element 9 Vertical displacement of control element 9 in the direction of axis of x-x' causes finger 28 to slide along surface 25 against a restoring force produced by compression of spring 16. The sliding movement of finger 28 causes a horizontal displacement of rod 14 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 5. Depression of control element 9 in the direction of arrow E of FIG. 5 moves cylindrical element 30 in the same direction.
  • FIG. 6 shows the path followed by lugs 32 in response to successive depressions of control element 9.
  • lugs 32 move downwardly in a straight line then travel along an inclined path determined by one of the teeth of raised portion 35.
  • lugs 32 will move upwardly in a straight line and then follow an inclined path defined by one of the teeth of raised portion 34. It should be readily apparent that other configurations of raised portions 34 and 35 can be utilized without departing the framework of the invention.
  • control element 9 is initially in the position shown in FIG. 4, in which case lugs 32 are at the level A shown in FIG. 6 and rod 14 is in a position that limits upper movement of the bread-supporting carriage to the lower bread discharge position, which is the normal bread discharge position. Then, if control element 9 is manually depressed in the direction of the arrow E of FIG. 5, lugs 32 first move to level B, which induces a rotation of element 30 about axis x-x', after which, when the user removes their finger or thumb from control element 9, control element 9 is moved upwardly under the effect of spring 36.
  • control element 9 The uppermost position of control element 9 is defined by interaction between a lug 37 and lateral projection 26 on control element 9 and abutment surfaces of housing 2.
  • springs 36 and 24 cooperate to displace element 30 upwardly so that lugs 32 follow paths which first extend vertically upwardly and then follow upwardly inclined paths defined by two of the teeth on raised portion 34, producing a further rotation of element 30 about axis x-x'.
  • lugs 32 arrive at the level C of FIG. 6 and control element 9 will be in the position shown in FIG. 5.
  • rod 14 and cross piece 27 will have been displaced to the right from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5. In this position, rod 14 can enter recess 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, so that the carriage can ascend to its upper discharge position.
  • a further depression and release of control element 9 brings lugs 32 into two of the vertical slots in raised portion 34, so that lugs 32 again ascend to level A of FIG. 6 and rod 14 and cross piece 27 are shifted back into the position shown in FIG. 4.
  • control element 9 passes in alternation between level A and level B while undergoing a 90° rotation about axis x-x'.
  • Downward movement of control element 9 is transmitted to element 30 by compression spring 24.
  • element 30 will be urged upwardly by spring 36 and control element 9 will be urged upwardly by spring 24.
  • upward movement of element 30 with control element 9 is controlled by the abutting relation between abutment 31 and element 30.
  • Successive upward movements of elements 30 will bring lugs 32 to levels C and A in alternation.
  • Level C is associated with displacement of rod 14 to the right as shown in FIG. 4, while level A is associated with displacement of rod 14 to the left, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the user can freely select, at any time before or during a toasting operation, either one of the raised positions to which the carriage will ascend after a toasting operation has been completed.
  • the user need not hold the control means down in order to achieve this result.
  • control element 9 The level to which control element 9 rises after having been released by the user will provide a visual indication of which bread discharge position has been selected.
  • FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of a control means according the invention.
  • control element 9 is in the form of a rocker switch having two ends 43 and 44 which are accessible from outside housing 2.
  • Control element 9 can pivot between two positions about a horizontal axis 38 in response to depression of either one of ends 43 and 44 and the position to which control element 9 has been pivoted will determine which bread discharge position the carriage reaches after a toasting operating has been completed.
  • Axis of rotation 38 is defined by a cylindrical element that is guided in a part 39 secured to housing 2.
  • the pivoting movement of control element 9 is limited by two lugs 37 which form part of control element 9 and are located to interact with respective portions of housing 2.
  • control element 9 carries a rod 40 which extends downwardly from axis 38 and is moveable as a unit with control element 9.
  • support 13 is provided with an upwardly projecting boss 41 which is dimensioned and located to constitute a detent element for rod 40.
  • Boss 41 cooperates with rod 40 to retain rod 40 and control element 9 in either one of the two end positions to which these elements can be pivoted.
  • rod 40 has a certain flexibility which allows it to pass over boss 41 when the user depresses one end 43, 44 of control element 9.
  • control element 9 is free to undergo a limited degree of pivoting movement around axis 38 and can assume only two stable positions.
  • rod 14 is maintained by the biasing action of spring 16, in the position that allows the carriage to ascend only to its lower bread discharge position and the biasing action of spring 16 also maintains control element 9 in the illustrated position.
  • This position is further defined by contact between the left-hand lug 37 and an associated part of housing 2.
  • the user When using a toaster equipped with a control system according to the present invention, the user first introduces one or two slices of bread into slots 4 of the toaster then acts on lever 7 to lower the carriage to its toasting position, utilizing mechanisms that are conventional in the art.
  • the desired degree of toasting is selected by appropriately positioning control element 8, also according to conventional practice in the art.
  • the user can select the desired bread discharge level by moving control element 9 to the desired position.
  • the use of such a toaster is thus simple and practical since it is then possible to select in advance the bread discharge height for the carriage.
  • control means can be arranged to be moveable in translation in any direction or moveable in rotation about any axis without departing from the framework of the invention, or the abutment can follow a path having at least one position permitting interaction with the carriage in order to halt it in the lower bread discharge position and at least one position where the carriage can ascend to its upper bread discharge position.
  • cushioning of the end of ascending movement of the carriage to the upper bread discharge position can be effected by an air escape system, commonly referred to as a "dashpot", or by a hydraulic cushion system. It would be would be equally possible to arrange two cushioning means only on the carriage itself, for example, by positioning a first means in recess 18 and a second means outside of this recess.
  • a simple leaf spring can be utilized to permit, at the time the carriage is brought to a halt, all cushioning of the end of its ascending movement.
  • a cushioning device can be installed as desired on the carriage or on the abutment.
  • This cushioning means can also constitute the first means for cushioning the arrival of the carriage at its upper bread discharge position.
  • a cushioning means could be arranged on the carriage, in recess 18 or on a lateral prolongation of extension 6, depending on whether or not the abutment is present, and this cushioning means will operate either by interaction with the abutment or, when the abutment is withdrawn, with the top of the toaster housing.
  • a cushioning element can be arranged on the abutment in order to cushion the end of ascent of the carriage into its upper bread discharge position.
  • a cushioning element can be arranged on the abutment in order to cushion the end of ascent of the carriage into its upper bread discharge position.
  • spring 21, abutment 20 and rod 14 can take various forms, notably as concerns the stopping means of the cylinder of the abutment.
  • This can be a flange linked to rod 14, the cylinder having at its extremity a narrowed portion or an internal peripheral disc arranged to halt the cylinder by bearing on the flange.
  • the spring is arranged under the flange in such a manner as to be compressed by the vertical sliding of the abutment cylinder during interaction of the latter with extension 6.

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  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Electric Stoves And Ranges (AREA)
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US09/167,673 1997-10-07 1998-10-07 Toaster with means for selection of two bread discharge positions Expired - Fee Related US5901638A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9712731 1997-10-07
FR9712731A FR2769195B1 (fr) 1997-10-07 1997-10-07 Grille-pain avec organe de selection entre deux positions de dechargement du pain

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EP (1) EP0908130A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN1124809C (zh)
FR (1) FR2769195B1 (zh)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6150640A (en) * 1999-09-04 2000-11-21 Ya Horng Electronic Co., Ltd. Temperature controller for electric cooking appliances
US6250212B1 (en) 1999-08-20 2001-06-26 The Rival Company Toaster having carriage-lift mechanism
FR2824463A1 (fr) * 2001-05-14 2002-11-15 Moulinex Sa Grille pain electrique
EP1604596A1 (en) * 2004-06-10 2005-12-14 Edward Joseph Khoury Toaster
US20100294136A1 (en) * 2009-05-24 2010-11-25 G.E.W. Corporation Limited Toaster with mechanism for raising carriage above an ejection position
US20110185918A1 (en) * 2008-10-31 2011-08-04 Crastal Technology(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd bread-toaster
US20140220210A1 (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-07 Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. Toaster With Keep Warm Feature and Method of Toasting with the Same
US10368693B2 (en) 2017-02-24 2019-08-06 Willard Branch Food toasting device

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FR2464046A1 (fr) * 1979-09-05 1981-03-06 Nuova Feder Spa Grille-pain electrique a declenchement automatique perfectionne
DE9014527U1 (de) * 1989-10-20 1991-01-24 G.E.W. Corp. Ltd., Kwun Tong, Kowloon Elektrischer Toaster
US5018437A (en) * 1989-04-07 1991-05-28 San Juan Antonio B Toaster
EP0450457A1 (de) * 1990-04-04 1991-10-09 Braun Aktiengesellschaft Brotröster mit einer Nachhebevorrichtung für den Röstgutträger
US5385082A (en) * 1994-04-08 1995-01-31 Toastmaster Inc. Toaster with safety shut-off
FR2729285A1 (fr) * 1995-01-13 1996-07-19 Moulinex Sa Grille-pain electrique
US5647270A (en) * 1993-12-21 1997-07-15 Seb S.A. Electric toaster comprising a double-release control rack
US5664481A (en) * 1996-11-19 1997-09-09 Toastmaster Inc. Toaster with bakery product shield
US5746115A (en) * 1994-08-27 1998-05-05 G.E.W. Corporation Limited Electric toaster--bunwarmer
US5771780A (en) * 1995-01-13 1998-06-30 Moulinex S.A. Electric toaster
US5802958A (en) * 1997-06-16 1998-09-08 Hermansson; Alf E. Cooking grill

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US2330644A (en) * 1940-09-26 1943-09-28 Gen Electric Toaster
FR2464046A1 (fr) * 1979-09-05 1981-03-06 Nuova Feder Spa Grille-pain electrique a declenchement automatique perfectionne
US5018437A (en) * 1989-04-07 1991-05-28 San Juan Antonio B Toaster
US5072662A (en) * 1989-10-20 1991-12-17 G. E. W. Corporation Limited Electric toaster
DE9014527U1 (de) * 1989-10-20 1991-01-24 G.E.W. Corp. Ltd., Kwun Tong, Kowloon Elektrischer Toaster
US5095814A (en) * 1990-04-04 1992-03-17 Braun Aktiengesellschaft Bread toaster with an extra-lift for the toasting rack
EP0450457A1 (de) * 1990-04-04 1991-10-09 Braun Aktiengesellschaft Brotröster mit einer Nachhebevorrichtung für den Röstgutträger
US5647270A (en) * 1993-12-21 1997-07-15 Seb S.A. Electric toaster comprising a double-release control rack
US5385082A (en) * 1994-04-08 1995-01-31 Toastmaster Inc. Toaster with safety shut-off
US5746115A (en) * 1994-08-27 1998-05-05 G.E.W. Corporation Limited Electric toaster--bunwarmer
FR2729285A1 (fr) * 1995-01-13 1996-07-19 Moulinex Sa Grille-pain electrique
US5771780A (en) * 1995-01-13 1998-06-30 Moulinex S.A. Electric toaster
US5664481A (en) * 1996-11-19 1997-09-09 Toastmaster Inc. Toaster with bakery product shield
US5802958A (en) * 1997-06-16 1998-09-08 Hermansson; Alf E. Cooking grill

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6250212B1 (en) 1999-08-20 2001-06-26 The Rival Company Toaster having carriage-lift mechanism
US6150640A (en) * 1999-09-04 2000-11-21 Ya Horng Electronic Co., Ltd. Temperature controller for electric cooking appliances
FR2824463A1 (fr) * 2001-05-14 2002-11-15 Moulinex Sa Grille pain electrique
WO2002091892A1 (fr) * 2001-05-14 2002-11-21 Seb S.A. Grille-pain electrique
US20040149141A1 (en) * 2001-05-14 2004-08-05 Julian Arnedo Electric toaster
US6829983B2 (en) * 2001-05-14 2004-12-14 Seb S. A. Electric toaster
EP1604596A1 (en) * 2004-06-10 2005-12-14 Edward Joseph Khoury Toaster
US20110185918A1 (en) * 2008-10-31 2011-08-04 Crastal Technology(Shenzhen) Co., Ltd bread-toaster
US8561526B2 (en) * 2008-10-31 2013-10-22 Crastal Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Bread-toaster
US20100294136A1 (en) * 2009-05-24 2010-11-25 G.E.W. Corporation Limited Toaster with mechanism for raising carriage above an ejection position
US8127666B2 (en) * 2009-05-24 2012-03-06 G.E.W. Corporation Limited Toaster with mechanism for raising carriage above an ejection position
US20140220210A1 (en) * 2013-02-04 2014-08-07 Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. Toaster With Keep Warm Feature and Method of Toasting with the Same
US9131804B2 (en) * 2013-02-04 2015-09-15 Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. Toaster with keep warm feature and method of toasting with the same
US10368693B2 (en) 2017-02-24 2019-08-06 Willard Branch Food toasting device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1220127A (zh) 1999-06-23
FR2769195A1 (fr) 1999-04-09
EP0908130A1 (fr) 1999-04-14
FR2769195B1 (fr) 1999-11-19
CN1124809C (zh) 2003-10-22

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